2-10. Evading a skilled and persistent enemy tracker requires the use of skillfully executed maneuvers to deceive the tracker and cause him to lose the trail. An enemy tracker cannot be outrun by a team carrying equipment because the tracker travels light and is escorted by enemy forces designed for pursuit. The size of the pursuing force dictates the team’s chances of success in using ambush-type maneuvers. Teams can use some of the following techniques in immediate-action and deception drills.
Backward Walking
2-11. One of the most basic deception techniques is walking backward (Figure 2-9) in tracks already made and then stepping off the trail onto terrain or objects that leave little to no signs. Skillful use of this maneuver causes the tracker to look in the wrong direction once he has lost the trail. This maneuver must be used in conjunction with another deception technique, such as those described in paragraph 2-9.
However, the maneuver will probably fail if a professional tracker is following the team’s trail.
Figure 2-9. Backward-walking deception technique Big Tree
2-12. A good deception tactic is to change directions at large trees (Figure 2-10, page 2-7). To change directions, the team moves in any given direction and walks past a large tree (12 inches wide or larger)
Countertracking
from 5 to 10 paces, then carefully walks backward to the forward side of the tree and makes a 90-degree change in their direction of travel, passing the tree on its forward side. This technique uses the tree as a screen to hide the new trail from the pursuing tracker. A variation used near a clear area would be for the team to pass by the side of the tree that it uses to change direction on its next leg. They walk past the tree into a clear area for 75 to 100 meters and then walk backward to the tree. The team then moves 90 degrees and passes on the side away from the tracker. This method could cause the tracker to follow the team’s sign into the open area where, after losing the track, he might cast in the wrong direction for the track.
Generally, this technique only works on combat trackers not professional trackers.
Figure 2-10. Big tree deception technique
Note. By studying signs, an observant tracker can determine if an attempt is being made to confuse him. If the team tries to lose the tracker by walking backward, footprints will be deepened at the toe and soil will be scuffed or dragged in the direction of movement. By following carefully, the tracker can normally find a turnaround point.
Cut the Corner
2-13. The team uses this deception method when approaching a known road or trail. About 100 meters from the road, the team changes its direction of movement, either 45 degrees left or right. Once the team reaches the road, they leave a visible trail in the direction of the deception for a short distance down the road. The tracker should believe the team cut the corner to save time. The team backtracks on the trail to the point where it entered the road and then carefully moves down the road without leaving a good trail.
Once the team achieves the desired distance, they change direction and continue movement (Figure 2-11, page 2-8). Combining the big tree method with this method improves the effectiveness of this deception.
Slip the Stream
2-14. The team uses this deception method when approaching a known stream. It executes this method just like the cut-the-corner maneuver. The team establishes a 45-degree deception maneuver upstream, and then enters the stream. The team moves upstream and establishes false trails, if time permits. By moving upstream, floating debris and silt will flow downstream covering the true direction and exit point. The team
then moves downstream to escape, since creeks and streams gain tributaries that offer more escape alternatives (Figure 2-12, page 2-9). To cause further confusion, the team uses false exit points. However, the team must be careful not to cause a false exit to give away its intended travel direction.
Figure 2-11. Cut-the-corner deception technique Arctic Circle
2-15. The team should use this deception in snow-covered terrain to escape pursuers or to hide a patrol base. It establishes a trail in a circle as large as possible (Figure 2-13, page 2-9). The trail that starts on a road and returns to the same start point is effective. At some point along the circular trail, the team should remove snowshoes (if used) and carefully step off the trail, leaving one set of tracks. The team can use the big tree maneuver to screen the trail. From its hiding position, the team returns over its steps and carefully fills them with snow one at a time. This technique is especially effective if it is snowing.
Fishhook
2-16. The team uses this technique to double back on its own trail in an over-watch position (Figure 2-14, page 2-10). It can observe the back trail for trackers and prepare to ambush pursuers. If the pursuing force is too large to be destroyed, the team should strive to eliminate the tracker. It uses hit-and-run tactics, and then moves to another ambush position. The terrain must be used to the team’s advantage.
2-17. Dog and visual trackers are not infallible; they can be confused with simple techniques and clear thinking. The team should not panic and try to outrun a dog or visual tracker. It only makes it easier for the tracking team. The successful tracker keeps his head and always plans two steps ahead. Even if trackers are not in the area, it is always best to use countertracking techniques.
Countertracking
Note. Teams must always remember there is no way to hide a trail from a professional tracker.
Figure 2-12. Slip-the-stream deception technique
Figure 2-14. Fishhook deception technique (most popular)